MICK McCarthy explained the decision not to contest Karl Henry’s red card at Arsenal was taken because of the fear of an extended ban.

MICK McCarthy explained the decision not to contest Karl Henry’s red card at Arsenal was taken because of the fear of an extended ban.

Henry will miss games against former club Stoke, Fulham and Blackburn after being the second Wolves player sent off by referee Andre Marriner this season, following the dismissal of Stephen Ward at Anfield.

Henry will return against Portsmouth on May 1.

“I have been advised that any appeal would be very unlikely to succeed,” said a disappointed McCarthy.

“And the Commission also have the right to lengthen any suspension to twice the initial ruling if they believe an appeal was made which didn’t have any chance of success.

“Despite our frustration and disappointment at losing Karl for three games, we can’t run the risk of that ban being extended and so unfortunately we have to take our medicine and move on,” he added.